7 Underrated Travel Destinations
The new year is almost here, which can only mean one thing: time to start planning all of your adventures for 2019! If you’re looking for inspiration (or just want to spice up your bucket list), look no further. We’ve compiled seven of the most underrated travel destinations from seven different continents, and can’t wait to share it with you.
By traveling to countries that are off the beaten path, you’ll avoid the dreaded throngs of tourists, save money on accommodations, and get to see places that many haven’t set foot in. What are you waiting for? Let’s check them out so you can plan a trip!
BELIZE
Where else can you find blue sandy beaches, colorful sand islands, and the second largest coral reef in the world? Only in Belize! This small country, situated in the eastern part of Central America, is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbors Mexico and Guatemala. It’s the perfect place to travel to if you want to explore Mayan history without the hoards of tourists (unlike Chichen Itza!); snorkel and see thousands of unique fish and sea life; or simply enjoy a lazy vacation. In fact, Caye Caulker, a small island off the coast of Belize, has a motto: Go Slow. A visit to Belize will relax your mind, body, and give you the energy needed to jump into 2019!
SLOVENIA
Surrounded by four tourist-popular countries — Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia — may seem hard, but it’s actually the opposite for Slovenia. Here you’ll find hundreds of miles of untouched nature, friendly locals, and historical architecture. Most travelers start in the city’s small but bustling capital, Ljubljana, to get acquainted with the country before heading to other cities. Those looking to spend time in nature will love biking or hiking in Logar Valley (Logarska Dolina), known for its green scenery and rolling hills. Since Slovenia also shares a border with the Adriatic Sea, you can expect to find dozens of small seaside towns sprinkled throughout the 47km coastline. Some recommendations include Koper, the biggest city and an excellent base; Izola, known for its delicious seafood and plenty of restaurants; and historical Piran, with its resorts and interesting Venetian architecture.
ETHIOPIA
Kenya, South Africa, Morocco. Everyone has heard of these African countries — and perhaps traveled to them! — but have you ever heard of Ethiopia? One of Africa’s biggest underrated countries, Ethiopia is the place to travel for both intrepid adventurers and casual tourists. Start your journey in the capital, Addis Ababa, where you can try some of the best Arabica coffee (Ethiopia is The Birthplace of Coffee, after all!), shop at colorful boutiques and art galleries, and hike up to Mount Entoto. From there, visit the town of Lalibela and marvel at the stone-cut churches; take a bus to Harar, where you can get up close to hyenas (and even feed them!); or trek across lakes of salt on camels at the Danakil Depression. Ethiopia also makes an excellent starting point for your African adventure, as it’s one of the biggest countries on the continent and a major hub for flights and buses to other destinations.
CHILE
Mars-like deserts, trickling icy glaciers, heart-pumping volcanos, and … wine? If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, Chile should be at the top of your list. This narrow country found on the western edge of South America is home to hundreds of natural wonders, such as the Torres del Paine National Park (you can see it in the photo above!) and Villarrica Volcano. In the winter, skiers will love the dozens of ski resorts, as well as trekking through the Patagonia region. After a hard day of offroading/hiking/trekking, relax and enjoy some of the world’s finest wines — right at your fingertips! Chile is known for its Malbec and Carménère wine, and you can taste them by doing a local winery tour.
MYANMAR (BURMA)
Myanmar, long overshadowed by its more touristy neighbors China and Thailand, is one of the most colorful and interesting places to visit in Asia. The country opened its doors to tourism in the last decade, after years of political apprehensiveness, and has been flourishing ever since. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is known as the Land of Golden Pagodas. It was home to 10,000-some pagodas during its peak — and 2,000 pagodas have survived to this day. You can visit its most famous pagoda, the Shwedagon Pagoda, in the capital city of Yangon. Afterward, try Myanmar’s national dish, Mohinga, which is a soup made of rice noodle and fish, and walk around the morning markets. No visit to Myanmar is complete without venturing off and seeing the famous temples in a hot air balloon over Bagan; island hopping in the Myeik Archipelago; or see thousands of Buddha statues in Saddan Cave.
VANUATU
For travelers looking to go off the grid, there’s no better place to act out your Robinson Crusoe fantasies than Vanuatu. A small island nation with less than 300,000 locals, Vanuatu is situated in the South Pacific Ocean and neighbors Fiji and the Solomon Islands. With more than 80 islands to explore, this country has so much to offer: in July, watch locals dance and celebrate the Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival; explore the country’s main island, Espiritu Santo; and lounge around at Champagne Beach, so-called for the bubbles that form when the waves crash onto the shore. Vanuatu is also known for its volcanos: there are 9 active volcanoes (and 7 underwater!) and snorkeling. Adventurous travelers can explore the tropics and find secret waterfalls and lagoons, or visit nearby villages and see the indigenous locals.
ANTARCTICA
Ah, Antarctica. The final frontier, and the final destination on our list. If you’re tired of the warm beaches, hikes through nature, and night markets in other countries, why not visit a place that has none of that? That’s right: for the brave travelers, a trip to Antarctica means you’ll see a vast landscape of snowy tundra, packs of locals (penguins, that is!), and gorgeous clouds. Getting to Antarctica can only be done through a tour company, and most trips start from Argentina and last a few days at sea before reaching land. Although it seems like there’s nothing to do on Antarctica, it’s actually the opposite: travelers can visit one of the many science research stations, or go camping, kayaking, whale watching, and even skiing. Before you leave, don’t forget to get a stamp at one of the research stations or Port Lockroy — it’ll definitely be one of the highlights in your passport!
